| Lignol Innovations is commercializing its unique integrated cellulose to ethanol process technology for biorefining ethanol (fuel alcohol), pure lignin and other valuable co-products from renewable and readily available biomass. The technology is based on original ‘Alcell’ biorefining technology that was developed by General Electric and Repap Enterprises at a cost of over $100 million. Lignol also intends to invest in, or otherwise obtain, an equity ownership in energy related projects which have synergies with its biorefining technology. Lignol is a Canadian corporation based in Vancouver, British Columbia Lignol’s growth is taking place in a period of unprecedented demand for fuel ethanol in North America driven by renewable fuel standards, high fossil fuel prices, environmental impacts on climate change, and fundamental concerns for energy security in the U.S. Currently 12% of the US corn crop is used to produce fuel ethanol. Increasing demand is expected to drive that figure to nearly 30% by 2012. New technologies are required to produce ethanol from biomass cellulose rather than from the fermentation of valuable grains. The company's technology and know-how has positioned the company as one of the world's most promising "Cellulose to Ethanol" solutions. Lignol recently established a Cellulosic Ethanol Development Centre in Vancouver which consists of a pilot plant, a state of the art enzyme development laboratory and an engineering group. Lignol has also assembled a team of individuals with the critical skills to complete the development of its integrated process technology. Lignol’s technology will initially be applied to the processing of wood chips and subsequently for a range of other cellulosic feedstocks. Lignol’s unique de-lignification pre-treatment process is being integrated with recently acquired saccharification and fermentation process capabilities. Lignol is optimizing this integration and plans to design a commercial demonstration plant to be constructed in concert with one or more industry partners. Lignol is currently working with industry and various government agencies to accelerate its commercialization process. Upon the completion of its current project supported by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and a consortium of industry participants, Lignol intends to work with one or more of its industry partners to construct the world’s first commercially viable cellulose to ethanol “showcase” demonstration plant. Upon successful demonstration of the “showcase” plant, Lignol intends to work with its industry partners in developing projects in which Lignol anticipates receiving a carried equity stake or equivalent royalty. Lignol is also considering several strategic investment opportunities in energy related projects, which have synergies with its biorefining technology. Examples of such projects include: electric power projects, ethanol projects with access to cellulosic feedstocks and pulp mill conversions to alternative energy opportunities. |